Gilbert B Norman wrote:This matter is simply one more in the annals of overseas manufacturers thinking they can build rail equipment to US standards. That they "assemble" foreign designed equipment here and do what they must to otherwise meet the "buy American" provisions of a Federally Funded procurement, does not mean they deliver equipment made for the USA.Sadly most transit providers are bound by low bid requirements. I hope this and similar disasters leads to changes in the way transit agencies procure rolling stock.
Possibly the agencies letting contracts for the equipment are too focused on the "low bid". Maybe it's time to think "best value
They need to make this right and it has to be very soon. The Rotem plant in South Philadelphia isn't an assembly facility...it's a lemon farm! Just as Amtrak was forced to scrap the armadillos after barely a decade of service, SEPTA will probably have to get rid of these clunkers when they go to Silverliner VI.